Getting a Japanese phone number is very important for foreigners and international students living in Japan. You may need it for apartment applications, bank accounts, part-time jobs, school registration, and apps such as LINE or PayPay.
In this article, we compare popular Japanese mobile carriers and online SIM plans for foreigners living in Japan. We will explain the strengths and weaknesses of Rakuten Mobile, povo, LINEMO, ahamo, UQ mobile, and Y!mobile in simple English.
Why You Need a Japanese Phone Number
- Apartment applications
- Rent guarantee company screening
- Opening a bank account
- Applying for part-time jobs
- School registration
- Using apps like LINE and PayPay
- Electricity, gas, and water setup
Especially for apartment contracts, having a Japanese phone number can make the screening process easier.
Main Mobile Carrier Comparison
| Carrier | Features | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | Cheap pricing and large data usage, but signal quality may be weak in some areas | People who want lower monthly costs |
| povo | Uses au network with flexible pay-as-you-go style | Budget-conscious users |
| LINEMO | Affordable SoftBank-based plan popular among LINE users | Students and daily LINE users |
| ahamo | Good balance of price and stable signal quality using docomo network | People who want reliable service |
| UQ mobile | Slightly more expensive but stable and easy to get support | People who prefer support and quality |
| Y!mobile | SoftBank sub-brand with store support and stable quality | First-time users in Japan |
1. Rakuten Mobile | Cheap but Signal Depends on Area
Rakuten Mobile is popular because of its relatively low monthly cost and flexible data plans. It is a good choice for people who use a lot of mobile data.
However, some users feel the signal is weaker inside buildings or underground areas. Because of this, many people later switch to another carrier after trying Rakuten Mobile first.
Recommended For:
- People who want cheaper monthly fees
- Heavy data users
- People who already use Rakuten services
Things to Be Careful About:
- Signal quality may vary depending on the area
- Indoor reception can sometimes be weak
- Check coverage before applying
Official Website:
Rakuten Mobile
2. povo | Flexible and Budget Friendly
povo is an online-only plan using the au network. It has a unique system where the base fee can be very low, and users add data packages when needed.
This is useful for people who want flexibility or use different amounts of data each month.
Recommended For:
- People who want to reduce monthly costs
- People comfortable with online applications
- Users who do not need large data every month
Official Website:
povo
3. LINEMO | Great for LINE Users
LINEMO is an online plan using the SoftBank network. It is affordable and especially useful for people who use LINE frequently.
Since many schools, friends, and companies in Japan use LINE for communication, LINEMO is very convenient for foreigners and students.
Recommended For:
- People who use LINE often
- Students looking for affordable plans
- People who want SoftBank coverage
Official Website:
LINEMO
4. ahamo | Good Balance of Price and Quality
ahamo is an online plan using the docomo network. It is popular because of its stable signal quality and simple pricing.
For students and workers who need reliable internet for school, work, or daily life, ahamo is often considered a strong option.
Recommended For:
- People who want stable communication quality
- People who use a lot of data
- Users who prefer docomo coverage
Official Website:
ahamo
5. UQ mobile | Reliable Quality and Support
UQ mobile is an au sub-brand. It is slightly more expensive than online-only plans, but many users feel reliable.
It is also easier to get help at physical stores, which is useful for foreigners who are not comfortable with online-only procedures.
Recommended For:
- People who want stable service
- People who want store support
- Users who prefer reliability over the cheapest price
Official Website:
UQ mobile
6. Y!mobile | Easy Support for Beginners
Y!mobile is a SoftBank sub-brand. It is slightly more expensive than LINEMO, but store support is easier to access.
For foreigners who are applying for a Japanese SIM card for the first time, Y!mobile can feel safer and easier.
Recommended For:
- People who want face-to-face support
- First-time smartphone contracts in Japan
- Users who want stable SoftBank coverage
Official Website:
Y!mobile
Which Carrier Should You Choose?
| Priority | Recommended Carrier |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost | Rakuten Mobile, povo, LINEMO |
| Stable signal quality | ahamo, UQ mobile, Y!mobile |
| Store support | UQ mobile, Y!mobile |
| Frequent LINE use | LINEMO |
| Heavy data usage | Rakuten Mobile, ahamo |
Things Foreigners Should Check Before Applying
- Whether a residence card is required
- Whether a passport is required
- Whether Japanese address registration is completed
- Payment method availability
- Credit card requirements
- Signal coverage in your area
- Cancellation fees or contract periods
Especially right after arriving in Japan, some services may be difficult to apply for if you do not yet have a Japanese address or bank account.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a mobile carrier in Japan is not only about price. Signal quality, support, and ease of application are also important.
Rakuten Mobile is attractive because of its low price, but some users later switch because of signal issues. povo, LINEMO, and ahamo offer a good balance between price and communication quality.
UQ mobile and Y!mobile are slightly more expensive, but many people choose them for stability and support.
Choose the carrier that best matches your lifestyle in Japan.
Need Help Finding an Apartment in Japan?
At willow, we support foreigners starting a new life in Japan.
We help with apartment searches, move-in procedures, utility setup, and daily life support.
International students, workers, and people moving from overseas are welcome to contact us anytime.
Feel free to contact us on LINE for support with daily life in Japan and apartment search!
